Monkswood Associates

My opening thought for July:
“The willing to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

In July a regional one-day conference and exhibition took place. A team from four different organisations did all the planning and organising voluntarily. The planning started about ten months’ ago, and I joined the team part way through the planning process.

The event was generally seen as very successful by the exhibitors and delegates. We as organisers were very pleased. We also recognised that it had achieved its objectives. And, at the same time, we knew both the preparation and the event itself could have been better. Like all good projects we reviewed the whole process.

What reviewing do you do after an event or even after your typical day/month?

Where does responsibility come into the picture?

As some organisers were unable to attend the review meeting, we wrote our thoughts to capture as much information as possible. Several points came out of the review that were associated with responsibility:

Although we had carried over learning from a similar event, we hadn’t fully allowed for the complexity of the project team. There was lack of clarity about who was responsible for what functions and roles. We also needed clarity about hierarchy.

2. Working practice norms

We didn’t know each other so well. We were too concerned about being misunderstood or upsetting our colleagues from other organisations. This concern led some of us to hold back on questions and comments. Our enjoyment of the experience was reduced as well as our effectiveness.

We all had responsibility for making it work. What was needed was one of us to remember the good practice of agreeing what was acceptable behaviour within the group. For instance, anyone could challenge an idea or approach, as long as it was done in an objective and constructive manner.

3. Openness and transparency

Sometimes during the project I was unsure what needed to be done. I made the assumption that I would be contacted if ‘they’ needed my help. And at the time my workload outside the project was quite high so it suited me. I did have feelings of guilt. However, my membership to my family group outweighed my membership to the project group.

Neither party said anything. All held responsibility for the situation. I know, and have a lot of positive experience from, being open and transparent. It makes my whole experience more satisfying and productive! This would be one of the norms I would suggest as a responsibility for future projects.

What norms would you typically suggest?

4. Balance and boundaries

We all belong to a variety of groups. We have responsibilities associated with each group, some of which may conflict. Individual team members had a variety of responsibilities to balance:

We had the additional complexity that the majority of the organisers were self employed with less predictable external commitments. But taking responsibility for personal boundaries/constraints would have helped. Including when they changed too. Getting the balance between give and take is so important.

How do you balance your give and take?

5. Expertise and motivation

An important responsibility is letting people know what you are good at and interested in – and encouraging others to do the same. Especially when volunteering. If you have worked together before, it is easy for others to assume that what you did in the last project is what you want to do in the next one. In addition, having a clear idea about what needs to be done will help some people recognise their areas of interest and disinterest. I would recommend this is done not only at the beginning of the project but also as and when people join through the project.

What other responsibilities come to your mind?

Write to me about your ideas on responsibilities - helen@monkswoodassociates.co.uk.

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to
give something back be becoming more”
Anthony Robbins (American advisor to leaders)

Essential books about changing people and organisations

‘The definitive guide to project management’ by S Nokes, I Major, A Greenwood, D Allen, M Goodman, FT Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-273-66397-6

This is a sound project management book which covers both technical, task and people issues relating to projects. I would recommend this book to someone who has little to no conscious knowledge of projects as well as those with a bit more experience.

I didn’t use any websites for this article and so have none to recommend this month!

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

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Please ask any questions that the topic has raised, or share your thoughts and experiences with me, Helen Wade, at:

Topic for the month – responsibility

My opening thought for July: “The willing to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”

My opening thought for July:
“The willing to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”